Last chance for Green Streets cash

Local groups in need of cash and expertise for ambitious community energy projects still have time to apply for a share of a £2m energy fund as part of the nationwide British Gas Green Streets campaign.

The campaign aims to encourage innovative and green energy projects in the heart of British communities. Any community group with a focus on local renewable energy projects or energy efficiency improvements for both community and domestic buildings can apply for Green Streets funding. This can range from solar, wind or hydro power to biomass, ground-source and air-source heat pumps.

Gearóid Lane, managing director, British Gas New Energy, said: ‘The Green Streets fund has been established in response to the increasing number of people who want to band together to save and generate their own energy and do their bit in the fight against climate change.

‘We want to show local groups the carbon and financial savings they could enjoy by providing the funding, support and technical expertise needed to develop and implement their ideas. We know that small groups can make a big difference and hope these projects will benefit their community for generations to come.’

A shortlist of the best projects will be asked to pitch for funding in front of an expert judging panel, before being whittled down to a final dozen who will receive a share of the £2m funding pot.

Their progress will be monitored by the independent Institute of Public Policy Research (ippr) think tank and the project crowned Britain’s greenest community after a year stands to win a further £100,000 in funding from British Gas.